As odd as it is to think that four former Stars are going to be working with the Allen Americans in the CHL, it also might be the perfect fit for a group that also could be called odd.

When it was announced last week that Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Craig Ludwig and Richard Matvichuk would be joining the Americans (the first three in ownership/management and Matvichuk likely in a coaching role), the first reaction was “really — the CHL?”

But the Americans are not your typical CHL team, and Doug Miller is not your typical CHL owner. That helps explain why this is so intriguing.

Miller is a local businessman who has done well in the oil and gas industry and has big ideas. He’s a huge hockey fan and has been involved in youth hockey since the Stars moved to Texas in 1993.

He was one of the finalists to buy the Stars, and he probably will be pursuing opportunities that could range all the way up to the NHL level.

And he’s a great guy from whom to learn when it comes to business and hockey.

Ludwig is a close friend (their sons played together) and has long been a hockey sounding board for Miller, so the fact that they are working together isn’t surprising.

But the fact that Ludwig was able to persuade Modano and Belfour to join is a jolt. Belfour is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Modano soon will be. Both have name value and experience that should interest NHL teams.

Modano is a bit of a victim of circumstance. Had the Stars had solid ownership, he probably would have stayed with them his entire career and moved right into a desk job. But that didn’t happen. And now with the Stars still in transition to new ownership, a position has yet to be created.

So, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer is rolling up his sleeves and trying to learn about the hockey business.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Modano said. “Doug Miller is obviously a guy who will do things the right way, and we get to go in and help build a team immediately. There are some big decisions that have to be made, and we get to be a part of the process right now.”

The Americans need a new coaching staff, so that’s the first job. The CHL also has a lot of transition year to year, so getting players will be the next job.

The quartet will have to learn the ropes, and that’s exactly what Modano needs. The concern with hiring Modano in an NHL front office is that he might not want to put in the work — well, here’s a chance to show that he will.

Belfour too has some perceptions to overcome. Many still see him as “Crazy Eddie,” the loaner goalie with a sharp temper, but friends say he’s determined to find a future in hockey.

“I’ve never seen him so plugged in and ready to go,” Ludwig said. “He wants to make this work.”

Ludwig has been an assistant coach in the AHL and NHL but sees himself more as a consultant who can help shape defensemen at every level.

Matvichuk is ready to jump in as an assistant coach running a defense — just as Darryl Sydor (now with the Minnesota Wild) has done. But they have to prove they can do the job.

And that’s what’s great about this venture. These four former players have strong ideas, strong history and strong motivation. And that could make them a surprising force.

“Sometimes, you have to prove to people that you can do the job, and this is a chance to do that,” Modano said. “It’s a chance to do it our way and have a little fun, too.”

To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.